Safer Child Products

Child Abuse is something that is probably not talked about as often as it should be.  It comes to the forefront when there is a scandal, such as what’s happening with the Coaches at Penn State.  I am not a sports fan, I do not follow College Football but I can’t help but follow the allegations that a trusted, well respected man sexually assaulted young boys.  And that this has been going on, and covered up for more than 10 years is beyond upsetting and sickening to me.

I looked up some statistics and information on child abuse, to increase my understanding of the prevalence and why children do not tell when someone is or has abused them. According to Prevent Child Abuse Delaware, “Once every minute a child is abused.” I was shocked to learn that 80% of victims were abused by parents and that as many as 4 children die each day from child abuse. Children often don’t tell anyone about the abuse for many reasons.  One reason is that when children are very young, (50% of child abuse occurs before a child is 6 years old) they do not understand that what is happening is abuse and often children think it is their fault.  With the high incidence of the abusers being parents or loved ones, children don’t want to get their loved one in trouble, or to break the family apart.

It is important for us to talk to our children about what adults they can talk to if they are hurt or upset.  Review with them what their 4 private parts are (mouth, chest, and area covered by underpants) and that no one should touch those places unless they are helping to keep the child clean and healthy (i.e.: bathing or medical exam).  Encourage your child to tell you if someone talks to or touches him/her in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable or that they don't like.

For more tips and suggestions on how to help prevent child abuse and warning signs of abuse, go to http://www.pcadelaware.org/safety/index.htm .  Another great resource is http://helpguide.org/mental/child_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm

Let’s work together to keep all our children safe.